Removable processing modul for data processing system

Abstract: A computer system includes a data processing module (10) which is selectively mated with any one of a number of associated computer base units (12), such as a portable PC base unit (36) and a desktop PC base unit (46). The data processing module (10) incorporates essential elements required for operation of a computer including a processor (14), a hard disk (18) and a memory (16). The processor/memory/disk module (10) is readily removable from a base unit (12) so as selectively to be coupled to any desired base unit (12) for operation of that base unit (12), or to be removed and put away for security purposes.

Description: The present invention relates to a data processing system and, in particular, to a system incorporating a data processing module. In the field of personal computers (PCs), there are two broad categories, namely portable PCs and desktop PCs. Each of these categories has certain advantages over the other. For example, the portable PC has the advantages that it can be taken with the user on business trips, can be used in areas where standard household current is not available, and is relatively small and light in weight. On the other hand, the desktop PC is not dependent on a battery having a limited life, normally has a larger display, has an easier-to-use keyboard and "mouse", can be permanently connected to a network which includes a printer and other desirable peripheral units, and may have higher capabilities in terms of such things as memory and processing power, etc. In the past, there have been attempts to combine the functions of portable PCs with those of desktop PCs. These have generally been docking station or cable management concepts which usually lead to clumsy and expensive interconnections and wasted desk space. Moreover EP-A-0 378 282 describes a portable hard disk drive module which permits hard disks to be interchangeable between computer systems. The module encloses all of the operative components of the disk drive and is removably received in a receptacle in a microcomputer system. The module and the receptacle each have an electrical connector and these connectors serve as the sole interface and are coupled when the module is in an operating position within the receptacle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system which has the advantages of both portable PCs and desktop PCs without the attendant disadvantages of increased cost and wasted desk space. According to the present invention there is provided a data processing system, comprising a plurality of data processing base units and a data processing module interchangeable between the base units and adapted to be operably and detachably connected to one of the second base units to provide an operable data processing device, characterised in that the data processing module comprises at least the main processor of the system and a non-volatile memory. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a processor, hard drive and memory module and an associated PC base unit; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a portable PC base unit and an associated processor, hard drive and memory module positioned to be placed in a receptacle of said portable PC base unit; and Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a desktop PC base unit and an associated processor, hard drive and memory module positioned to be placed in a receptacle of said desktop PC base unit. Shown in Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system, such as a personal computer, for example, which comprises a module 10 and a base unit 12. The module 10 contains a subset of the main computing power of a PC that can be used in many different environments. The base unit 12 can take many different forms. For example, it can comprise a portable PC or a desktop PC. It will be noted that the customary functional components of a PC are divided between the module 10 and the base unit 12. One suitable arrangement is for the module 10 to include a processor 14, a memory 16, a hard disk unit 18 and a system controller 20. In addition, the module 10 contains an interface 22 to enable the module 10 to be coupled to the base unit 12, and a bus 24 for interconnecting the other components 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 of the module 10. The module is packaged in a case which provides mechanical modularity which enables it to be installed and optionally locked into a host device which may be, for example, a portable PC or a desktop PC. The base unit 12 includes an interface 26 which engages the interface 22 of the module 10 to couple the module 10 to the base unit 12. A bus 28 in the base unit 12 is coupled to the interface 26 and is also coupled to the other components of the base unit 12, which may include a floppy disk controller 30, an I/O controller 31, a keyboard controller 32, an LCD/CRT controller 33 and a plurality of slots 34 which enable the addition of other desired components to the base unit 12, such as various peripherals, expanded memory, etc., in a manner which is well-known. It will be recognized that the specific elements included in the module 10 and the base unit 12 shown in Fig. 1 are shown for illustrative purposes only, and that different components could be included in the module 10 and the base unit 12, if desired. Fig. 2 illustrates one way in which the module 10 can be removably inserted into a portable PC 36 which includes electronic components comprising the base unit 12. The portable PC 36 includes such standard features as a display 38 and a keyboard 40 and also includes a receptacle 42 which is appropriately configured to receive the module 10. As represented by the double-headed arrow 44 in Fig. 2, the module 10 may readily be moved into and out of the housing of the portable PC 36, with the interface 22 of the module 10 moving into and out of operative coupling with the interface 26 of the base unit 12 which is included in the portable PC 36. Fig. 3 is similar to Fig. 2 and illustrates one way in which the module 10 can be inserted into a desktop PC 46 which includes electronic components comprising the base unit 12. The desktop PC includes such standard features as a monitor 48 and a keyboard 50 and also includes a receptacle 52 which is appropriately configured to receive the module 10. As represented by the double-headed arrow 54 in Fig. 3, the module 10 may readily be moved into and out of the housing of the desktop PC 46, with the interface 22 of the module 10 moving into and out of operative coupling with the interface of the base unit 12 which is included in the desktop PC 46. The system of the present invention offers a number of advantages over other systems currently on the market. The cost of this system is lower than systems with duplicated CPU, memory and processing. Separate desktop and portable systems can each be tailored for optimal human interface, whereas other systems that attempt to combine these two types compromise display and keyboard location. The portability of the module 10 provides added security, since the module can be locked up or carried on the person of the user. For large business establishments, a system solution can be provided that offers desktop PCs for each employee plus a number of portable PCs that can be used for travelling or for work at home, with the employee being able to transfer the module 10 from one PC to the other, which is attractive from a cost and convenience standpoint. Finally, the system provides an elegant modular path for upgrades of elements such as the processor, the hard disk unit, etc.

Claims: A data processing system comprising a plurality of data processing base units (12) and a data processing module (10) interchangeable between the base units and adapted to be operably and detachably connected to one of the second base units to provide an operable data processing device, characterised in that the data processing module (10) comprises at least the main processor (14) of the system and a non-volatile memory (16). A system according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the data processing base units (12) is included in a first computer (36) designed for portable use and having a receptacle (42) for receiving the data processing module (10), another of the data processing base units is included in a computer (46) designed for stationary use and having a receptacle (52) for receiving the data processing module (10), and the data processing module (10) can be placed in the receptacle of either said first or said second computer (36,46) and operatively engaged with the base unit (12) of that computer to provide an operable data processing device. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each base unit (12) includes a keyboard controller (32), a floppy disk controller (30), an interface (26) for connection to the data processing module (10) and a bus (28) coupling said keyboard controller (32), said floppy disk controller (30) and said interface (26). A system according to claim 3, characterized in that each base unit (132) also includes an I/O controller and an LCD/CRT controller (33) coupled to said bus (28). A system according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the data processing module (10) includes a system controller (20), a hard disk unit (18), an interface (22) for connection to a base unit and a bus coupling the processor (14), the non-volatile memory (16), the system controller (20), the hard disk unit (18) and the interface (22).

Inventors: LIEBENOW FRANK, NELSON RICHARD, LIEBENOW, FRANK, NELSON, RICHARD
Applicants: NCR INT INC, NCR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: G06F13
IPC codes: G06F1, G06F13, G06F3